St Martin's Guild of Bell Ringers for the Diocese of Birmingham

The Bullfighting Bell Ringers by Diane Hooper

A group of 8 ringers Colin Baugh, Richard Andrew, Gwen Albrow, Gillian Postill and myself Diane Hooper from St James the Great Shirley : Julie Hooper, Margaret Burling and Alan Cottrell from St Edburgha Yardley and 2 walkers John Albrow and Gary Allport, set off on Saturday 23rd June 2003 to raise money for "Breakthrough" Breast Cancer. Our aim was to walk eight miles in the Cotswolds and ring for one hour at each of three towers. Easy!

We met at Pebworth at 930am and were joined by the Tower Captain Andrew Baker and also the Tower Captain of St Edburgha Simon Adams to enable us to ring this now augmented ring of ten bells. Bob Royal and Grandsire Caters were just two of the methods rung.

After a good ring it was best foot forward! A pleasant walk through the village, towards The Priory At this moment we realised that a machete would have been helpful. I don’t think anyone had walked the pathways since we had done a trial walk 6 weeks previous. It was definitely an understatement to say that the grass had grown. With Dr. Livingstone and his trusty walking stick leading us (Colin) we emerged from the under growth. Great! Over a stile and into a big open field. Only one small problem a large herd of bulls occupied it. With no Matadors amongst us it was every man and woman for themselves. A strategy was called for. So instead of heading to the next stile which would take us through the middle of the bulls, it was decided that we would walk round the perimeter fence. Ignore the bulls, they are only inquisitive, they won’t hurt you, so the men told us women. Are we to argue? !!! With the adrenaline running and great determination it was forward into battle. Half way across the bulls became restless so Alan decided to have a chat with them! They seemed very interested in what he was saying or they had taken a liking to his dress code, a red jacket. I do believe that bulls are colour blind, perhaps at this point we shall find out. -I am relieved to say that everyone including Alan survived.

We battled our way onwards through field after field of nettles, high grass, some stiles completely hidden, sheep and several very excited horses who decided that they should be in the photo shoot. By the time we reached Mickleton the thought of ringing was very daunting. These were the heaviest bells of the day 15-3-9. But the warm welcome from the tower captain John Kinchin and the knowledge that a pub lunch and an excellent local beer was awaiting us after our ring, a restored energy level suddenly reappeared.

So now well watered and fed it was onwards to Meon Hill. Such a difference — although it was an upward climb and the sun extremely hot the pathways were much easier going. The views from the hill were spectacular, so a l0 minute rest was taken to appreciate them.

We trailed down into Upper Quinton and came upon a flattened dead snake in the middle of the road, not an every day occurrence. At one of the stiles poor Richard encountered an electrifying experience from an adjoining fence. I am happy to report that this did not hamper his ringing in any way. We eventually arrived in the sleepy village of Lower Quinton late afternoon and again a warm greeting was awaiting us from Lydia Stowe, Tower Captain.

We rang a mixture of doubles and minor methods. We ended the day by remembering our dear colleague and ringing friend Edric Franklin who died 12 months ago, by ringing a touch of Stedman. He was a loyal member of both Shirley and Yardley bands.

After collecting the cars we returned to the Kings Arms at Mickleton to reflect on the day. After a few more glasses of the local brew we all agreed that we had had a good time together, although tired and exhausted, we all felt a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. Thank you to everyone who supported us and to all our sponsors, we have so far raised £1030.00. Thanks also to the three Churches for the use of their bells.